What is it called when the government annually spends more than it receives in revenue?

When the government annually spends more than it receives in revenue, this situation is referred to as deficit spending. Deficit spending occurs when expenditures exceed the revenue generated, requiring the government to borrow money to cover the gap. This practice can be indicative of a larger fiscal policy strategy, where the government may invest in programs or initiatives with the expectation that these investments will stimulate economic growth or provide necessary services, even at short-term financial loss.

In contrast, a budget surplus describes a scenario where revenue exceeds expenditures, which is not applicable in this case. Fiscal responsibility generally refers to the government's ability to manage its fiscal policies effectively, ensuring that it does not engage in excessive deficit spending. Revenue generation pertains to the processes and methods through which the government collects funds, such as taxes and fees, and is also not relevant to the condition of spending exceeding revenue.